Fluid level sensing/control systems

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises a fluid level sensing and/or control system whereby the rise of a given, electrical-parameter affecting fluid to a given level within a container, can be sensed and/or utilized advantageously to actuate a given object. Where such object is an indicator unit, then the same may have an input responsive to fluid level rise at a given level, to alter the electrical characteristic of such input. In one form of the invention, electrically conductive means communicate with the interior of the container of the system, at a predetermined level or area thereof, such that when the fluid level rises at this level, the fluid itself may complete or otherwise affect an associated circuit, through such electrically conductive means, to the indicator employed. The indicator may be miniaturized to provide a signal generator responsive to fluid level rise for generating an audible or other signal.

United States Patent Holbrook et al.

FLUID LEVEL SENSING/CONTROL SYSTEMS Inventors: Legrand K. Holbrook, SaltLake City, Utah 84108; David S. Ostler,

Salt Lake City, Utah 84117 [73] Assignee: Medical DevelopmentCorporation,

Salt Lake City, Utah Filed: Feb. 24, 1970 Appl. No.: 13,585

US. Cl ..137/392, 137/558 Int. Cl.....; .Q. ..G05d 9/12 Field ofSearch;.....l37/386, 389, 390, 392, 558;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1953 Karlen ..137/386 X 11/1968Sorensen ..137/392 X 9/1967 Smith ..137/392 11/1961 Conigliaro ..340/272X 12/1969 Perren ..137/392 X 1 Dec. 5, 1972 Primary Examiner-M.CaryvNelson Assistant Examiner-David R. Matthews Attorney-M. RalphShaffer [5 7 ABSTRACT The present invention comprises a fluid levelsensing and/or control system whereby the rise of a given,electrical-parameter affecting fluid to a given level within acontainer, can be sensed and/or utilized advantageously to actuate agiven object. Where such object is an indicator unit, then the same mayhave an input responsive to fluid level rise at a given level, to alterthe electrical characteristic of such input. In one form of theinvention, electrically conductive means communicate with the interiorof the container of the system, at a predetermined level or areathereof, such that when the fluid level rises at this level, the fluiditself may complete or otherwise affect an associated circuit, throughsuch electrically conductive means, to the indicator employed. Theindicator may be miniaturized to provide a signal generator responsiveto fluid level rise for generating an audible or other signal. a

15 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PATENTEDBEE 1912 SHEEI 1 [IF 3 INVENTORS.LEGRAND K. HOLBROOK DAVID S. OSTLER Y W W 7? THEIR ATTORNEY PATENTEDUEB5|972 SHEET20F3V DAVID S. OSTLER THEIR ATTORNEY sum 3 or 3 PATENTED DEC5 I972 INVENTORS LEGRAND K. HOLBROOK DAVID s. OSTLER BY THEIR ATTORNEYFIG. l8

FLUID LEVEL SENSING/CONTROL SYSTEMS The present inventionrelates tofluid level sensing systems, and more particularly, to a new andimproved system whereby electric parameter change by, or current flowthrough, the rising fluid is relied upon to perform a selected functionsuch as trigger a signal generating means to indicate that a particularlevel in a container employing the system has been reached.

By way of example, blood collection systems in the surgery and recoveryrooms of hospitals collect body fluid and deliver the same to apermanent or disposable container. It becomes desirable for hospitalpersonnel to be aware of the fact that the container used has becomefilled, or nearly so; in such event, the container will be replaced,body fluid will be shunted to another container, and so forth.

The crux of one phase of the present invention resides in the passing ofelectrical current through the rising fluid when the same reaches apre-determined level, this so as totrigger or actuate an electronic,electric, or electro-mechanical circuit, to give a desired result suchas the production of an audible signal.

There are many embodiments and uses for such a system, not only as tothe production of audible signals, but visual signals, electromechanicalresponses, and so forth.

According, a principal object of the present invention is to provide anew and improved fluid level sensing and/or control system, to actuate,complete, trigger, or otherwise affect another object.

A further object is to provide, for a fluid level system, a containerhaving electrically conductive means disposed in communication with theinterior of such container for sensing fluid level rise thereto andbeing responsive to the same to actuate an external circuit or device.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a fluid levelsensing system incorporating a unit, responsive to the electricallyconductive means of a container within a unit, for generating a desiredresponse.

An additional object is to provide a miniaturized indicator unit for afluid level sensing systems, for example, wherein the circuitry thereofis conveniently mounted to accommodate miniaturization of the unit.

The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel,are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The presentinvention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, togetherwith further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood byreference to the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which: I

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a fluid level sensing systemconstructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a utilized indicator unit, when opened,and indicates the compact and miniaturized nature of the electroniccircuitry associated with such unit.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, front elevation in reduced scale of thestructure shown in FIG. 1 and is taken along the arrow 3 in FIG. 1. I

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along the line 4--4 inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic detail of a representative electronic circuitwhich may be incorporated in the indicator unit, of FIGS. l-3.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of a fluid levelsensing system constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of theinvention wherein the indicator unit is releasably mounted directly tothe container of the system.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, exploded view of another embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating the indicator unit as being attached toa wall bracket.

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention illustrating a further arrangement of the indicator unitrelative to the wall bracket supporting structure.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, exploded view of still another embodiment ofthe invention wherein the indicator unit is made a part of the wallsupporting structure.

FIG. 10 is, a fragmentary, exploded view of still another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a two-container caddy assembly.

FIG; 12-16 are top plan, fragmentary elevation, fragmentary section,enlarged fragmentary section, and base fragmentary section views of theFIG. 1 l'structure at various points as indicated bycorresponding'numerals.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of an optional container bracket and mountassembly.

FIG. 18 is in enlarged detail-taken along the line 18- 18in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a view principally in schematic form of still anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In FIG. 1, container 10 includes an outwardlyextending peripheral margin 11 over which is fitted a cover 12. Thecover 12 is provided with fluid inlet port 13, as well as vacuum port 14Both, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, are provided with hoses 15 and 16,leading to a patient suction device and a vacuum system respectively,not shown.

Container 10 is provided with opposite conductive elements 17 and 18,such as adhesive backed aluminum strips, which are in respective generalhairpin configuration, respectively extending from the interior ofcontainer 10 to the exterior thereof. See FIG. 3. Arcuate support 19,opposite conductive halves of which are insulated by non-conductivesegment 19', is affixed to an inverted L-configured bracket 20, thelatter which slips into bracket retainer 21. The retainer 21 comprisesan undercut channel which is affixed by screws or other means 22 to wall23.

There may be fastened to arcuate support 19 a pair of electricallyconductive legs 24 and 25, this by respective attachments 26 and 27, asshown. Legs 24 and 25 may be secured to insulative base 28, the latterforming a part of fill indicator unit 29. Attachments 30' and 31' mayprovide a physical securement as between legs 24 and 25 and unit 29.

Unit 29 includes a case comprising case halves 30 and 31, see FIG. 4.These cases halves may snap together, with one of the case halvesreceiving and tightly containing the rim 32 of speaker 33. Speaker 33includes, of course, the usual cone 34 and voice coil housing 35.Directly mounted to the latter may be a phenolic or other printedcircuit board 36 which is photo-etched or otherwise provided with aprinted circuit accommodating the various circuit elements 37.

To complete the structure as illustrated in FIG. 2, with the two halves30 and 31 being opened to show the interior parts, battery 38 is snappedin place by clamp 39; representative electronic circuitry of the same isillustrated merely way of example, in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 5, circuit S simply comprises a conventional Schmidt trigger andincludes transistor stages Q1, Q2,

and battery input provided with on/off switch S1. The

battery input of course, provides the B voltage at the line indicated assuch. The particular container used is designated generally at C andcorresponds to any one of the containers such as container shown in FIG.1.

The system may be designed to be quite sensitive, such that the Schmidttrigger portion S of the circuitry is triggered for resistance as'low as500K. Hence, the fluid within the general container C of FIG. 5 may bemade only slightly conductive and still be effective to trigger thesystem. By test, even a moist band would suffice in permittingsufficient current to conduct between the conductive rivets, electrodes,or strips, so as to trigger the Schmidt trigger portion of the circuit.

When switch S1 is closed, than the circuit is immediately ready foroperation. In the absence of sufficient fluid simply regulates the biaslevel of Q3. When Q2 is I turned off, Q3 conducts and this turns on Q4.The circuitry, including transistors Q5 and 06, comprises a conventionalunijunction oscillator circuit, elements of which being chosen so thatit will oscillate from 20 to 40 timers per minute. A second unijunctionoscillator comprises the transistor stages of Q7 and Q8, the sameproducing oscillations of from 400 to 500 cycles per second, dependingupon circuit constants. Accordingly, an intermittent buzzing sound willbe heard in the speaker A, the volume of which may be regulated by R1.

In summary of operation, then, rising fluid level at container C in FIG.5 (corresponding,.for example, to container 10 in FIG. I) will cause aconduction through the base circuit of Q1 of the Schmidt trigger, so asto turn on Q3, Q4, and the unijunction' oscillator comprising Q5 and Q6.The stage comprising Q5 and O6, in effect, pulses the pulser trainoutput of the unijunction oscillator, comprising 07 and Q8, so thatintermittent buzzing may be heard in speaker A when the preselectedfluid level has been reached.

It will be understood that various types of electric or electroniccircuits may be used to convert any conductivity, as between conductiveribbons l7 and 18, into an intelligence signal such as an intermittentbleep or buzzer sound. The circuitry of FIG. 5 is ideally suited forsuch purposes and accommodates miniaturization, as illustrated in Figure2. It is noted that printed circuit techniques may be incorporated andthe entire printed circuit board mounted directly on the speaker, asillustrated in FIG. 4.

.FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein theindicator unit, now designated 29A, includes rear, connector-receivingbases 40 and 41 which are recessed and key-slotted such as to receivethe head and'stem portions 42 and 43 of each of the connectors orterminals 44 and 45 of container 10A, in FIG. 6. Accordingly, a rise influid level to and/or beyond conductive elements 44 and 45 will producea conduction through the external effective circuit, relative toindicator 29A, so as to cause the latter to create an audible sound, alight flash, or other intelligent indication showing that the containeris full, or substantially so. In the case of the embodiment in FIG. 6,there may be merely included a wall bracket 46 having support bandrigidly affixed thereto, the same for supporting container 10A atshoulder 48.

A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7, whereinwall bracket 50 this time includes a pair of opposite, arcuate,electrically conductive bands 51 and 52, which terminate in an indicatorunit 53. The latter may correspond as to electrical components, contourand function to that illustrated, relative to unit 29 in FIG. 1, 2 and3. In the case of the structure shown in FIG. 7, the container 10Bincludes plural conductive ribbons 54A-54D, the outer lower extremitiesof which, as at El and E2, will engage conductive arms 51, 52.Optionally, there maybe included an indicator unit 29C corresponding tounit 29 in FIG. 1. A top bracket 50 is provided, with the conductivearms 51 and 52 being connected to 29C, and coupled with the interiorcircuitry thereof in any convenient manner. In the case of such aconstruction, the additional indicator 53 need not be employed in FIG.7.

In FIG. 8, it is seen that container 10C is again provided withelectrically conductive strips 55, 56, the lower outer extremities ofwhich may be selectively engaged by conductive band halves 57 and 58.The latter are secured to inverted L-shaped bracket 59 which isselectively deposited in under cut channel bracket 60 attached to thewall. In the case of FIG. 8, there is included opposite conductive bands61 and 62 which are attached to indicator 54, corresponding in form tothe indicator unit 29; arms 61 and 62 are electrically connected to theelectronic circuitry of the same as heretofore indicated. It is seenthat support arms 57 and 58 attached to bracket 59 may extend outwardlyrelative to the outer contour C of the bottle or container 10C. Thus, itis seen that the arm 61 and 62 may. be conveniently supported by arms 57and 58. Where the arms 57 and 58 are made of conductive metal, thenthere should be a separate, plastic insulated segment between and/orjoining the two. When the arms 57 and 58 are integrally formed, then thesame should be made of a nonconductive plastic such as Plexiglass, forexample.

In FIG. 9, container 10D will be formed substantially the same ascontainer 10 in FIG. 1, but this time includes rivet terminals 63 and 64which are secured to the sides of container 10 and which have interiorportions 65 and 66 available for serving as contacts for risingconductive fluid therein.

Accordingly, an indicator unit 67, similar to unit 29 in FIG. l-3, maybe provided with electrically conduc tive arms 68 and 69, which arms arein turn provided with slots 70 and 71 as shown. These slots may receiverivets 63 and 64 via appropriate rotatable adjustment, this so that thecontainer is secured in place by the conductive and supportive bands 68and 69. Hence, the

rise in fluid level will cause a shorting out or conduction betweenrivets or contacts 63 and 64 so that conduction is achieved at the inputcircuit of unit 67, this to cause an appropriate indication such aslight or sound for the user.

The structure as thus far described operates as follows. In all of theembodiments as above described and illustrated in the drawings, a risein fluid level such as body fluid, blood and so forth, will produce, byvirtue of the nature of the fluid, a conductive circuit path between theconductive rivets or contacts associated with the respective containersof bottles -10D in the F IGS. This conductive condition may be utilizedto produce current flow through the liquid and through the input circuitportion of the indicator unit, such as unit 29 in FIG. 3, by way ofexample. The same triggers the associated electronic circuitry, see FIG.5, so as to produce an audible bleep or buzzer-type sound. This alertsthe user that the bottle or container being used is nearly filled. Insuch event, the equipment is manually or automatically turned off sothat the continued filling of the same is interrupted. Such interruptionwill allow for the replacement of the bottle or container being used, orfor automatic filling of auxiliary containers (not shown), so that therewill be no spillage, back-flow to patient, damage to vacuum system, orother deleterious effect.

The electronic circuitry may be miniaturized in the manner shown inFIGS. 2, 4 and 5, in order that the indicator unit may be easily mountedupon a wall bracket, upon the container itself, or an ancillary partthereto. Various means have been shown for facilitating fluid conductionat predetermined fill levels so that the electronic circuitry used canbe triggered to produce the predetermined audible or visual indication.

In FIG. 10 the container 73 includes feed-through electrical contacts 74and 75 which engage leaf spring 76 and 77 of bracket unit 78. The latterincludes the usual indicator unit 29, with leaf spring contacts 76, 77forming electrical contacts therefor as per the opposite extremities ofCin FIG. 5.

Accordingly, in FIG. 10, when the container 73 is lowered, the contacts74 and 75 will engage leaf spring contacts 76, 77 to make electricalconnection to the electronic circuit at FIG. 5, by way of example.

In FIG. 11, a caddy 79 comprises a base 80 having recessed bed 81 asdefined by an upstanding lip 82. Central post 83 is provided with asuitable mounting means for mounting electrically conductive arm members84. Arm members 84 each comprise arm halves 85, 86 and has an upstandingconductive portion 87. The latter is bolted by suitable attachments 88to depending prongs or electrical contacts 89 of alarm or indicator unit90 (corresponding to unit 29 in FIG. 1). Both sides of the structure maybe identical so that there are two of the electrically conductivesupport arms 84 provided the unit. Containers 91 may correspond to anyof the previous containers described and may include conductive strips92, corresponding to strips 54A and 54B in FIG. 7. These strips overlapthe downwardly facing shoulder 93 and, in a preferred form of theinvention, the strips 92 rest over a nub or rib 94. This nub 94 servesas a fulcrum for the support arm half 85, 86 so that there will beinsured electrical contact of the conductive strip of the container withthe supporting arm. This has proven somewhat more satisfactory thansimply relying upon the straight edge of the supporting arm and the thinconductive strip.

In FIG. 11 a patient tube for a body fluid collection system isdesignated at PT, with vacuum tube VT leading to the vacuum system;conduit CO connects ports 95 and 96 of the lids of the respectivecontainer. The conduit PT and VT are connected to respective ports 97and 98. Handle 99 may be secured to both post 83 by the respectiveattachments 88, the latter also serving to connect the electricalmembers together as seem in FIG. 15.

As to operation, the structure shown in FIGS. 11-15 operates as follows.The containers 91 are placed in the manner indicated in FIG. 11 on thesupporting arms and 86, and the tubes connected as shown. When the firstcontainer 91, the one on the right, fills to a level such that innerextremities of the contact strips 92 are engaged by the body fluid, thenthere will be electrical current conduction so as to cause the alarm ofindicator to ring, light, or perform some other function. At this point,the container 91 is rotated 90 so that the container strips appear ingap spaces between the respectivearms 85. This effectively turns off thebuzzer or alarm, but allows the suction operation to continue once thefluid level reaches and closes the bottom of port 96 (designed to belower than the body fluid port 97).

There are many ways in which the structure illustrated in 11-15 may besupported. In FIG. 16, one method of construction is illustrated whereinthe bed 81 is contiguous with the lip 80 which simply turns downwardly.The same may be made of fiberglass, plastic or other suitable material.A suitable filler or cement structure such as that shown at 100 and 101may be incorporated such that a bottom Partition 102 may be included andsecured to the structure by screws 103. Apertures 104 provide access forcaster 105 to protrude therethrough. The casters form parts of casterunits 106, which are secured in place by filler 100 in the manner shown.

. In operation as to FIG. 16, the unit of FIG. 11 may be rolled over ona convenient surface such as floor, table, and so forth. g

In FIG. 17 the alarm unit 29 includes a bracket 107 having support arms108 and 109 secured thereto as by I means of screws 110. The supportarms are electrically conductive and serve as input leads to theindicator unit 29. The same may be mounted over wall bracket 112 atgroove and flange areas 113 and 114. The details of the structure arefurther amplified in FIG. 18, which illustrates an interlockedconfiguration when the unit is actually mounted upon wall bracket 112.

In FIG. 19, container 115, which may be similar in any or all respectsas to any of the other containers previously discussed, is connected toa battery supply 116 by lead 117 and also by leads 118 and 119 theretovia relay winding 120. Relay winding 120 forms a portion of relay 121having arm 122 and contact 123. The latter are respectively connected byleads 124 and 125 to battery 126 and to solenoid winding 127 of solenoidvalve 128. Valve 128 may be used to turn off conduction of vacuum lineVC to vacuum pump 130. In practice, the solenoid valve 128 may beconnected in series I 130 to container 115.

Accordingly, it is seen by the construction of the present inventionthat control units and/or conduit related to container 115, orotherwise, may be actuated upon ascending fluid level reaching thecontacts abov referred to.

Throughout the specification and claims, the term electric andelectrical shall include electronic and electro-mechanical devices,methods and systems; the fluid level sensing and/or control shall refersimply to the ascending level, of an electrical-parameter modifyingliquid in a container, being used to alter the electricalcharacteristics of an external circuit coupled to said container andactivated or otherwise modified upon such fluid ascent.

' While particular embodiments of the presentinvention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects.

We claim:

1. In combination, a medical, body-fluid, liquidreceiving containerhaving a bottom, an inlet opening, a vacuum opening, and a pair ofspaced electrical terminals affixed to, extending outside of, andcommunicating with the interior of said container, at least one of saidterminals being spaced above said bottom, indicator means electricallycoupled to said terminals and responsive to electrical current flowtherebetween, through the liquid received by said container when saidliquid rises to contactv both of said terminals, to emanate a warningsignal that a predetermined liquid level within said container has beenreached, and a patient body-fluid exhaust tube connected to said inletopening and structually and functionally isolated from said indicatormeans.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said indicator means comprisesmeans for impressing a potential difference across said terminals, andmeans responsive to current flow between said terminals, through saidliquid, to effect such warning signal emanation.

3. In combination, a vacuum opening liquid-receiving container having abottom, an inlet opening, and a pair of spaced electrical terminalsaffixed to, extending outside of, and communicating with the interior ofsaid container, at least one of said terminals being spaced above saidbottom, and indicator means electrically coupled to said terminals andresponsive to electrical current flow therebetween, through the liquidreceived by said container when said liquid rises to contact both ofsaid terminals, to emanate a warning signal that a predetermined liquidlevel within said container has been reached, and wherein said indicatormeans includes a holder having a pair of mutually spaced electricalinput means, said electrical terminals of said container beingconstructed and mutually spaced to be releasably supported by saidelectrical input means, to effect both electrical contact therewith andphysical support thereby, said container being so disposed at saidelectrical terminals upon said electrical input means of said holder.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said input means comprises a pairof electrically conductive arms, said terminals electrically engagingsaid arms when said container is supported by said holder.

5. The combination of claim 3 wherein said input means comprises a pairof electrically conductive arms configured to form an opening, saidcontainer being configured to fit into said opening and, when sodisposed therein, being in supportive engagement with said arms.

6. In combination, a medical, body-fluid, liquidreceiving containerhaving an inlet opening, a vacuum opening, a bottom, and a pair ofterminals at least one of which is spaced from said bottom, conduitmeans for providing fluid communicating between the interior of saidcontainer and an external object and electrical indicator means directlyconnected to said terminals and responsive to the presence ofelectrically conductive fluid within said container and contacting saidterminals, for effecting an energized warning, detectable by the humansenses, that a predetermined fluid level has been reached.

7. In combination, a container having an inlet opening, a vacuum openingand an annular wall providing an upper lip, and a pair of mutuallyspaced, doubledback, electrically conductive strips disposed over saidlip, depending within said container, and constructed for electricalcontact with external electrical circuit means, and an electricallyoperated indicator as said electrical circuit means, engaging saidstrips, for emanating a signal to an operator, detectable by his senses,that a predetermined fluid level intercepting said conductive stripswithin said container has been reached, said indicator including adirect-coupled battery circuit closed by fluid within said containerwhen engaging said conductive strips.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said container includes downwardlyfacing, support shoulder means, said eiectrically conductive stripsbeing disposed transversely over said shoulder means. I 9. Thecombination of claim 8 wherein said container is provided, at saidshoulder means, with depending, raised protuberance means, saidconductive strips being disposed over said protuberancemeans.

10. In combination, an electrically operative signalemitting indicatorunit constructed for support by an external object and having electricalinput circuit means including electrically conductive, outwardlyextending, arcuate arm means, a container having an inlet opening, avacuum opening constructed for vertically medial support by said arcuatearm means and having electrical terminals communicating with theinterior thereof and also disposed exterior thereof, said terminalsbeing dimensioned to be in physically cooperative and electrical contactwith said arm means, whereby said electrical input circuit means will beclosed via said arcuate arm means and terminals when electricallyconductive fluid within said container reaches the latter.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said container is provided witha lip, said terminals comprising mutually spaced, doubled-backconductive strips disposed over said lip of said container.

'12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said container includesdownwardly facing shoulder means, said conductive strips traversing saidshoulder means.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said downwardly facing shouldermeans includes fulcrum protuberance means disposed beneath saidconductive strips.

14. In combination, support structure defining a post and a basesupporting said post, support means extending outwardly from said post,container structure releasably engaging and, thereby, being supported bysaid support means, said container structure including a bottom and alsomutually spaced electrical terminals communicating with the interior ofsaid container structure, at leastg one of said terminals being disposedabove said bottom, and electrical indicator means fixedly disposed withrespect to said post and in electrical conductivity with said terminalsfor effecting a warning signal during the continued rise of fluid withinsaid container structure, said container structure being constructed topermit such continued rise.

15. In combination, a pair of liquid-receiving vacuum-operatedcontainers each defining an interior, having a bottom, and beingprovided with a pair of electrical means communicating with saidinterior, at least one of said electrical means of each of saidcontainers being disposed above said bottom, support means constructedto support said containers, electrical indicator means for producing anintelligence signal upon liquid rise within said containers to saidelectrical means, and electrical circuit means for electrically couplingin parallel said electrical means of each of said containers with saidindicator means, said containers and support means being constructed andarranged such that predetermined movement of a selected one of saidcontainers will interrupt said electrical coupling of such containerselectrical means with said electrical indicator means.

1. In combination, a medical, body-fluid, liquid-receiving containerhaving a bottom, an inlet opening, a vacuum opening, and a pair ofspaced electrical terminals affixed to, extending outside of, andcommunicating with the interior of said container, at least one of saidterminals being spaced above said bottom, indicator means electricallycoupled to said terminals and responsive to electrical current flowtherebetween, through the liquid received by said container when saidliquid Rises to contact both of said terminals, to emanate a warningsignal that a predetermined liquid level within said container has beenreached, and a patient body-fluid exhaust tube connected to said inletopening and structually and functionally isolated from said indicatormeans.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said indicator meanscomprises means for impressing a potential difference across saidterminals, and means responsive to current flow between said terminals,through said liquid, to effect such warning signal emanation.
 3. Incombination, a vacuum opening liquid-receiving container having abottom, an inlet opening, and a pair of spaced electrical terminalsaffixed to, extending outside of, and communicating with the interior ofsaid container, at least one of said terminals being spaced above saidbottom, and indicator means electrically coupled to said terminals andresponsive to electrical current flow therebetween, through the liquidreceived by said container when said liquid rises to contact both ofsaid terminals, to emanate a warning signal that a predetermined liquidlevel within said container has been reached, and wherein said indicatormeans includes a holder having a pair of mutually spaced electricalinput means, said electrical terminals of said container beingconstructed and mutually spaced to be releasably supported by saidelectrical input means, to effect both electrical contact therewith andphysical support thereby, said container being so disposed at saidelectrical terminals upon said electrical input means of said holder. 4.The combination of claim 3 wherein said input means comprises a pair ofelectrically conductive arms, said terminals electrically engaging saidarms when said container is supported by said holder.
 5. The combinationof claim 3 wherein said input means comprises a pair of electricallyconductive arms configured to form an opening, said container beingconfigured to fit into said opening and, when so disposed therein, beingin supportive engagement with said arms.
 6. In combination, a medical,body-fluid, liquid-receiving container having an inlet opening, a vacuumopening, a bottom, and a pair of terminals at least one of which isspaced from said bottom, conduit means for providing fluid communicatingbetween the interior of said container and an external object andelectrical indicator means directly connected to said terminals andresponsive to the presence of electrically conductive fluid within saidcontainer and contacting said terminals, for effecting an energizedwarning, detectable by the human senses, that a predetermined fluidlevel has been reached.
 7. In combination, a container having an inletopening, a vacuum opening and an annular wall providing an upper lip,and a pair of mutually spaced, doubled-back, electrically conductivestrips disposed over said lip, depending within said container, andconstructed for electrical contact with external electrical circuitmeans, and an electrically operated indicator as said electrical circuitmeans, engaging said strips, for emanating a signal to an operator,detectable by his senses, that a predetermined fluid level interceptingsaid conductive strips within said container has been reached, saidindicator including a direct-coupled battery circuit closed by fluidwithin said container when engaging said conductive strips.
 8. Thecombination of claim 7 wherein said container includes downwardlyfacing, support shoulder means, said electrically conductive stripsbeing disposed transversely over said shoulder means.
 9. The combinationof claim 8 wherein said container is provided, at said shoulder means,with depending, raised protuberance means, said conductive strips beingdisposed over said protuberance means.
 10. In combination, anelectrically operative signal-emitting indicator unit constructed forsupport by an external object and having electrical input circuit meansincluding electrically conductive, outwardly extending, arcuAte armmeans, a container having an inlet opening, a vacuum opening constructedfor vertically medial support by said arcuate arm means and havingelectrical terminals communicating with the interior thereof and alsodisposed exterior thereof, said terminals being dimensioned to be inphysically cooperative and electrical contact with said arm means,whereby said electrical input circuit means will be closed via saidarcuate arm means and terminals when electrically conductive fluidwithin said container reaches the latter.
 11. The combination of claim10 wherein said container is provided with a lip, said terminalscomprising mutually spaced, doubled-back conductive strips disposed oversaid lip of said container.
 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein saidcontainer includes downwardly facing shoulder means, said conductivestrips traversing said shoulder means.
 13. The combination of claim 12wherein said downwardly facing shoulder means includes fulcrumprotuberance means disposed beneath said conductive strips.
 14. Incombination, support structure defining a post and a base supportingsaid post, support means extending outwardly from said post, containerstructure releasably engaging and, thereby, being supported by saidsupport means, said container structure including a bottom and alsomutually spaced electrical terminals communicating with the interior ofsaid container structure, at least one of said terminals being disposedabove said bottom, and electrical indicator means fixedly disposed withrespect to said post and in electrical conductivity with said terminalsfor effecting a warning signal during the continued rise of fluid withinsaid container structure, said container structure being constructed topermit such continued rise.
 15. In combination, a pair ofliquid-receiving vacuum-operated containers each defining an interior,having a bottom, and being provided with a pair of electrical meanscommunicating with said interior, at least one of said electrical meansof each of said containers being disposed above said bottom, supportmeans constructed to support said containers, electrical indicator meansfor producing an intelligence signal upon liquid rise within saidcontainers to said electrical means, and electrical circuit means forelectrically coupling in parallel said electrical means of each of saidcontainers with said indicator means, said containers and support meansbeing constructed and arranged such that predetermined movement of aselected one of said containers will interrupt said electrical couplingof such container''s electrical means with said electrical indicatormeans.